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Looking for an Alternative to Cambium?

Alternative to Cambium?
Alternative to Cambium?

Cambium Networks equipment is widely used for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint wireless connectivity. However, ISPs, system integrators, enterprises and project contractors may need an alternative because of product availability, project cost, local support, capacity requirements or plans to diversify their network infrastructure.

If you are searching for a dependable alternative to Cambium Networks, LigoWave and RADWIN offer wireless solutions for PTP backhaul, PTMP access, CCTV connectivity, enterprise networks, industrial applications and ISP deployments.

Xtream Vision Electronics Trading LLC supplies wireless networking solutions with local technical support from Dubai, UAE. Our team can review your existing Cambium network and recommend a suitable LigoWave or RADWIN migration approach.

Why Consider an Alternative to Cambium Networks?

Exploring another wireless platform does not necessarily mean that the existing network has failed. Network requirements change, and operators regularly evaluate different manufacturers when expanding or upgrading their infrastructure.

Common reasons to consider a Cambium alternative include:

  • Equipment availability
  • Project budget
  • Local stock and delivery time
  • Technical support requirements
  • Higher capacity requirements
  • New frequency requirements
  • Product lifecycle changes
  • Network expansion
  • Supplier diversification
  • New PTP or PTMP projects
  • Improved management requirements
  • Replacement of ageing equipment

The best alternative should be selected according to the project’s technical requirements rather than the manufacturer’s name alone.

Two Strong Cambium Alternatives

LigoWave and RADWIN serve different parts of the wireless networking market. Both can be considered for new projects and planned Cambium migrations, but the right choice depends on capacity, distance, network size, frequency and application.

RequirementSolution to consider
Cost-effective building-to-building connectionLigoWave
Standard business or CCTV PTP linkLigoWave
ISP last-mile and PTMP accessLigoWave or RADWIN
Industrial PTMP deploymentLigoWave LigoPTMP
High-capacity carrier-grade backhaulRADWIN
Congested wireless environmentRADWIN, subject to link design
High-performance PTMP accessRADWIN JET
Multi-gigabit sub-6 GHz PTPRADWIN 2000 E
Short-range high-capacity 60 GHz connectivityRADWIN TerraNet or another suitable 60 GHz solution
Budget-sensitive wireless deploymentLigoWave
Mission-critical wireless connectivityRADWIN or a licensed microwave solution

This table provides general guidance. A link assessment is required before confirming any product or replacement model.

LigoWave as an Alternative to Cambium

LigoWave offers outdoor wireless products for point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, last-mile, CCTV and enterprise connectivity.

The LigoWave portfolio includes product families for:

  • Building-to-building wireless links
  • CCTV backhaul
  • ISP last-mile access
  • Wireless PTP connections
  • PTMP base stations and subscriber units
  • Industrial wireless networks
  • Campus connectivity
  • Traffic-management systems
  • Remote-site connectivity

LigoWave can be a practical option when a project requires dependable wireless connectivity with a balanced equipment cost.

LigoDLB for PTP, PTMP and CCTV Applications

The LigoDLB family can be used for light backhaul, building connectivity, CCTV transmission and last-mile applications.

Depending on the model and project design, LigoDLB equipment can support:

  • Office-to-warehouse connections
  • CCTV camera networks
  • Construction sites
  • Schools and university campuses
  • Hotels and resorts
  • Small ISP networks
  • Remote business locations
  • Temporary wireless links

Models are available with different integrated antenna gains, frequency options and performance levels.

LigoPTP for Dedicated Wireless Links

The LigoPTP family is designed for dedicated point-to-point applications. It may be considered for backhaul, industrial connectivity and longer-distance links where a professional PTP platform is required.

Equipment selection should be based on the required throughput, antenna configuration, distance, frequency and availability target.

LigoPTMP for Multi-Site Connectivity

LigoPTMP includes base stations and subscriber units designed for industrial point-to-multipoint applications. It can be considered for networks that connect one central location to multiple remote sites.

Applications may include:

  • ISP subscriber networks
  • Multiple CCTV locations
  • Industrial sites
  • Oil and gas facilities
  • Mining operations
  • Utilities
  • Campuses
  • Smart-city infrastructure

RADWIN as an Alternative to Cambium

RADWIN provides point-to-point and point-to-multipoint wireless solutions for service providers, enterprises, smart cities and critical infrastructure.

RADWIN may be suitable when a project requires higher capacity, strong interference handling, advanced traffic management or a carrier-grade wireless platform.

RADWIN 2000 for Point-to-Point Backhaul

The RADWIN 2000 family is designed for point-to-point wireless backhaul and access applications.

The current RADWIN 2000 E is a sub-6 GHz PTP platform operating across the 4.9–7.1 GHz range and offering capacity of up to 2.5 Gbps with suitable configuration and channel bandwidth.

RADWIN 2000 solutions may be considered for:

  • ISP backhaul
  • Enterprise connectivity
  • Government networks
  • CCTV backhaul
  • Industrial facilities
  • Ports and logistics sites
  • Smart-city infrastructure
  • High-capacity building links

Actual usable throughput depends on the selected model, licensed capacity, channel width, signal conditions, interference and local frequency regulations.

RADWIN JET for Point-to-Multipoint Networks

RADWIN JET is a point-to-multipoint platform designed for high-capacity fixed wireless access. The portfolio includes beamforming base-station solutions for deployments in dense or interference-heavy environments.

RADWIN JET may be considered for:

  • WISP subscriber networks
  • Business broadband access
  • Residential broadband
  • Smart-city connectivity
  • CCTV and public-safety networks
  • Industrial facilities
  • Multi-building enterprise networks

RADWIN TerraNet for 60 GHz Connectivity

RADWIN TerraNet includes 60 GHz millimetre-wave solutions for high-capacity PTP and PTMP applications. The TerraNet V40, for example, is designed for short-range urban and industrial connectivity with an integrated beamforming antenna.

The 60 GHz band can be useful for dense deployments and short-distance high-capacity links. Distance, rain conditions, mounting stability and local regulations must be included in the design.

LigoWave vs RADWIN: Which One Should You Choose?

The decision should be based on the application and required performance.

Choose LigoWave When:

  • The project requires a cost-effective PTP link.
  • You need to connect two buildings.
  • The link will carry standard business traffic.
  • You need wireless connectivity for CCTV cameras.
  • The network requires a practical PTMP solution.
  • The project has a controlled budget.
  • Local product and configuration support are important.

Choose RADWIN When:

  • The project requires higher capacity.
  • The link is part of a critical network.
  • The wireless environment is congested.
  • You need an advanced PTMP platform.
  • The project requires carrier-grade backhaul.
  • You are designing a high-capacity ISP network.
  • The application requires multi-gigabit wireless connectivity.
  • Advanced network management and traffic control are required.

Consider Licensed Microwave When:

  • Very high link availability is required.
  • The unlicensed spectrum is heavily congested.
  • The link carries mission-critical traffic.
  • A protected frequency is required.
  • The project is for telecom, government, utilities or critical infrastructure.
  • The required distance or capacity exceeds the preferred design limits of unlicensed equipment.

Xtream can also provide professional licensed microwave solutions for demanding backhaul projects.

Cambium Replacement by Application

There is no universal one-to-one replacement for every Cambium radio. The alternative must be selected according to the specific model and network design.

Existing applicationAlternative approach
Short-distance PTP linkLigoDLB or a suitable RADWIN PTP radio
Medium or long-distance PTP linkLigoPTP, RADWIN 2000 or licensed microwave
High-capacity PTP backhaulRADWIN 2000 E or licensed microwave
Standard PTMP networkLigoPTMP or LigoDLB architecture
High-capacity PTMP networkRADWIN JET
CCTV backhaulLigoDLB, LigoPTMP, RADWIN 2000 or RADWIN JET
Building-to-building bridgeLigoDLB, LigoPTP or RADWIN 2000
Industrial connectivityLigoPTMP, RADWIN or licensed microwave
Short-range gigabit connectionSuitable 60 GHz solution
ISP last-mile networkLigoWave or RADWIN PTMP platform

A technical review is necessary before confirming a replacement.

Can LigoWave or RADWIN Connect Directly to Cambium Radios?

Direct compatibility should not be assumed.

Wireless manufacturers often use proprietary protocols for polling, synchronization, traffic management and radio performance. Two devices operating in the same frequency band are not automatically compatible.

For a Cambium point-to-point link, the usual migration method is to replace the radios at both ends.

For a Cambium point-to-multipoint network, the base station and subscriber units may need to be migrated together or in planned groups.

Existing Ethernet equipment behind the radios, including switches, routers, cameras and computers, may remain in place if it meets the requirements of the new network.

Can Existing Antennas Be Reused?

Some external antennas may be reusable, but compatibility must be checked carefully.

The assessment should confirm:

  • Operating frequency
  • Antenna gain
  • Polarization
  • Connector type
  • Number of radio chains
  • Cable type and condition
  • Mounting arrangement
  • Regulatory EIRP limits
  • Radio and antenna specifications

An antenna integrated into an existing Cambium radio normally cannot be separated and reused.

Can Existing PoE Adapters Be Reused?

Do not assume that an existing Cambium PoE adapter is compatible with a LigoWave or RADWIN radio.

Before connecting the adapter, verify:

  • Output voltage
  • Maximum power
  • Pinout
  • Polarity
  • Passive or standards-based PoE
  • Surge-protection requirements
  • Manufacturer approval

Using an incompatible PoE adapter can damage the replacement radio.

Information Needed to Recommend an Alternative

To recommend the right Cambium replacement, Xtream requires the following project information:

Existing Cambium Models

Provide the complete model numbers of the existing radios, antennas and PoE adapters.

Network Architecture

Confirm whether the network is:

  • Point-to-point
  • Point-to-multipoint
  • ISP last-mile
  • CCTV backhaul
  • Enterprise connectivity
  • Industrial network

Site Locations

Send GPS coordinates or Google Maps pins for all locations.

Distance and Mounting Height

Provide the distance and proposed antenna height for each link.

Required Throughput

Specify the required usable capacity in Mbps or Gbps. Advertised radio data rates should not be treated as guaranteed application throughput.

Frequency

Confirm the current operating frequency and any restrictions affecting the new design.

Antenna Details

Provide antenna gain, coverage angle, polarization and connector information where available.

Connected Applications

Explain whether the link will carry internet, CCTV, VoIP, business applications, industrial data or a combination of services.

A Practical Cambium Migration Plan

1. Audit the Existing Network

Prepare a list of access points, subscriber units, PTP links, antennas, frequencies, IP addresses, VLANs and connected services.

2. Measure Current Traffic

Record average and peak bandwidth usage. Use this information to size the replacement network.

3. Review the Wireless Environment

Check line of sight, Fresnel-zone clearance, noise, channel usage and nearby interference.

4. Select LigoWave or RADWIN

Choose the platform according to the application, capacity, distance, frequency and project budget.

5. Test a Pilot Link

Test one representative link or a small PTMP sector before beginning a large migration.

6. Prepare the Configuration

Preconfigure IP addresses, VLANs, frequency settings, channel widths, passwords and management access.

7. Schedule the Migration

Replace PTP radios at both ends during the same maintenance window. Migrate PTMP subscribers in carefully planned groups.

8. Align and Test the Radios

Verify signal strength, signal quality, modulation, capacity, latency, packet loss and actual throughput.

9. Document the New Network

Record model numbers, serial numbers, IP addresses, frequencies, mounting locations and configuration backups.

Why Choose Xtream?

Xtream Vision Electronics Trading LLC supplies wireless networking and telecommunication solutions from Dubai, UAE.

Our team supports ISPs, system integrators, enterprises, CCTV contractors and industrial customers across the Middle East and Africa.

We can assist with:

  • Cambium replacement assessments
  • LigoWave product selection
  • RADWIN product selection
  • PTP and PTMP network design
  • Link-budget calculations
  • Antenna selection
  • Bandwidth planning
  • CCTV traffic calculations
  • Configuration assistance
  • Migration planning
  • Remote technical support
  • Installation coordination
  • Troubleshooting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best alternative to Cambium Networks?

The best alternative depends on the project. LigoWave is a practical choice for cost-effective PTP, PTMP, CCTV and business connectivity. RADWIN may be more suitable for high-capacity, carrier-grade or interference-sensitive deployments.

Is LigoWave cheaper than Cambium?

Pricing depends on the selected models, capacity, antennas, software, accessories and project requirements. LigoWave may provide a cost-effective option for many standard wireless applications, but quotations should be compared using equivalent performance requirements.

Is RADWIN suitable for high-capacity PTP links?

Yes. RADWIN offers high-capacity point-to-point solutions. RADWIN 2000 E supports capacity of up to 2.5 Gbps under suitable configurations and link conditions.

Can LigoWave replace Cambium ePMP?

A LigoWave PTMP solution may be considered, but it should not be treated as an automatic one-to-one replacement. The base station, subscribers, coverage, frequency, capacity and antenna configuration must be assessed.

Can RADWIN replace Cambium PMP?

RADWIN JET may be considered for high-capacity PTMP applications. Subscriber compatibility, sector coverage, capacity and migration requirements must be evaluated before replacement.

Can I keep my existing network switches?

Usually, existing Ethernet switches and routers can remain if their interfaces, VLAN configuration, capacity and PoE arrangements are compatible with the new design.

Do I need to replace all subscriber units at once?

Not always. A phased migration may be possible by operating the existing and replacement networks separately during the transition. This requires sufficient mounting space, frequency planning and network capacity.

Request a Cambium Replacement Assessment

If you are looking for an alternative to Cambium, Xtream can help you compare suitable LigoWave, RADWIN and microwave-link solutions.

Send us:

  • Existing Cambium model numbers
  • Network diagram
  • GPS coordinates
  • Link distances
  • Required bandwidth
  • Number of base stations and subscribers
  • Antenna information
  • Site photographs
  • Application details

Xtream Vision Electronics Trading LLC
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 265 8330
Email: sales@xtream-me.com
Website: www.xtream-me.com

Contact Xtream to plan a practical migration from Cambium to LigoWave or RADWIN with local technical support.

Cambium Networks, LigoWave and RADWIN are trademarks of their respective owners. Product specifications and compatibility should be confirmed for each project.